The selection technique at ISSB is three dimensional. All candidates appearing before the ISSB are to take three types of tests i.e., psychological tests, outdoor tests and the interviews, each one of which is handled by specialist on the subject. Tests start on the morning of the first day (day after the arrival).

Psychological Tests

These tests include intelligence and personality tests and are held on the morning of the first day.

Intelligence Tests.   These are of two main types; verbal and non verbal. Candidates who fail to come up to the minimum standards are screened out. They are allowed to proceed back to their homes after the test on the first day.
Mechanical Aptitude Test.   It is designed to assess candidates' basic mechanical sense.
 Personality Tests.    These are written tests of analytical/ projective type. Responses provide indication

 Group Tests.   In group tests the candidates are put through a number of standardized situations to find out the degree of officer like qualities in a candidate i.e., team spirit, initiative, resourcefulness etc, and whether the candidate’s personality fits him for a practical role that an officer has to play in the Armed Forces. For these tests, the candidates are divided into groups. The tests include:-

·     Group Discussion.   Informal discussions are conducted in a group on given subjects.

·     Group Planning.   A group plan for a given problem on the model is to be evolved.

·     Group Tasks.   Three group tasks are conducted in which candidates are presented practical situation and left to solve these. Normally these comprise obstacles over which the group is required to carry objects of sufficient bulk and weight.

 Command Tasks.   Each candidate is in turn appointed the commander of the group and given a practical task requiring several men.

 Individual Obstacles.  Simple obstacles which a candidate is  required to tackle.

Interview

Interviewer assesses the candidates in an informal and objective manner. The questions would mainly pertain to the candidate's life, academics, awareness and general aspects requiring the candidates' views.

Testing Programme

Arrival Day.   Reception, allotment of chest numbers, photographs, completion of  traveling allowance/ Personal Information Questionnaire Performa.

·     First Day.    Opening address, intelligence and psychological tests.

·    Second Day.    Group planning, group tasks and interviews.

·    Third Day.    Individual obstacles, command tasks, group tasks and interviews (left over).

·    Fourth Day.    Repetition of any of the tasks or interview  as required.